If trademarks are used in a way "that may mislead or confuse others" about the brand, it may also be considered a violation.

Anyone can register a trademark with the Intellectual Property Office, at the cost of $150 plus GST for each class.

ALL BLACKS’ BUSINESS VENTURES

FURNITURE

After struggling to find a bed that would fit his 6'7" (2m) frame, Ali Williams set up and invested in discount furniture chain SuperFurn. However, slow sales during the recession caused it to fold after just over a year.

Golden-booted goalkicker Dan Carter had a 50 per cent stake in high-end Italian clothing chain Gas, which went into liquidation in 2010.

BURGERS

Michael Jones launched the country's first Carl's Jr in South Auckland in 2011 and another store soon afterward. The Iceman's franchise has rights available to open six more of the popular burger outlets.

BEVERAGES

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw set up the For Everyone beverage brand alongside Williams and Carter in 2009. The trio have since sunk more money in to support the company, which contributes some of its profit to a charitable foundation.

FUNERALS

After retiring from the field, Va'aiga Tuigamala set up funeral director company Tuigamala and Sons, which organised the services for the late King of Tonga, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.

BED AND BREAKFAST

Number eight legend Zinzan Brooke set up a B&B in the English town of Windsor with wife Alison but both ended up filing for bankruptcy.